These events may include drop-off and pick-up times, snack or lunch breaks, and rest periods. A posted schedule informs parents and guardians of routine events. A daily mix of individual and group play, quiet and noisy events, independent and teacher-led activities, and indoor and outdoor play, is optimal for early childhood development.Ĥ. A schedule provides a healthy balance of activities. Teachers may also assist children with anticipating, and engaging in, transitions by employing methods for signaling changes, such as: an egg timer to let a child know when his turn at the computer station is over a rhyming song for clean up when free play time is ended or a wall clock with large hands to indicate when parents will arrive for pick-up.ģ. When children become familiar with the routine ordering of events they can often transition more easily from one activity to another.
A schedule maintains stability and continuity. Teacher-led activities such as sorting shapes at circle time, or dancing with scarves during music and movement time, can then be planned for the appropriate time periods already established in the schedule.Ģ. These may include free play, circle time, music and movement (gross motor), story time, and outdoor play. A schedule divides the day into routine events. The daily schedule is important for several reasons.ġ. Whether you are a parent of a preschooler, homeschooling one or more children, or a teacher in a licensed facility, a daily schedule can help organize your day to minimize stress and guide experiences to positive outcomes. See the complete list at the end of this post. This is the second post in a four-part series: Developing an Early Learning Program. Preparedness in turn helps to relieve stress and sets you on a course for a successful day with your early learners. The schedule enables you to manage your time and be prepared for the day's events. Once your schedule is in place, you can concentrate on choosing the activities that you and the kids will enjoy throughout the day! Privacy and DisclosureĪ daily schedule is important to the operation of your early learning program as it outlines a routine order of events for your school day. Build a convenient schedule that provides time frames and objectives for the activities that support your curriculum.
A daily schedule is easy to create with these helpful tips.